ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update Related

Review ATI Maternal Newborn Proctored Exam Latest Update related questions and content

The nurse notices a variable deceleration on a fetal monitor strip. Which nursing action is appropriate?

  • A. Instruct the mother to breathe slowly because this is a sign of hyperventilation
  • B. Decrease the amount of Pitocin because this is a sign of hypertonic uterine contractions
  • C. Turn the woman onto her left side to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord
  • D. Reduce the oral and IV fluids to decrease circulatory overload
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Turn the woman onto her left side to relieve pressure on the umbilical cord. Variable decelerations are associated with umbilical cord compression. Turning the woman onto her left side can help relieve pressure on the cord, improving fetal oxygenation. This position change is a non-invasive, quick intervention that can potentially resolve the variable decelerations.

Choice A is incorrect because variable decelerations are not typically associated with hyperventilation. Choice B is incorrect as decreasing Pitocin may not directly address the underlying cause of the variable decelerations. Choice D is incorrect because reducing fluids may not address the immediate concern of umbilical cord compression.